How to pay advance tax before the March 15 deadline

Advance tax is the practice of paying your income tax in instalments throughout the financial year, rather than in one lump sum at the end. For the financial year (FY) 2025–26, the fourth instalment must be submitted by March 15, 2026, which falls in the last quarter.

Who needs to pay advance tax?

Any individual or entity whose estimated tax liability for the year is ₹10,000 or more is required to pay advance tax.

However, resident senior citizens (60 years or older) who do not earn income from a business or profession are exempt from paying advance tax.

How to pay advance tax online

• Visit the official e-filing website of the Income Tax Department of India.

• On the homepage, look for the ‘Quick Links’ section and click ‘e-Pay Tax’. You can also search for it in the search bar.

• Provide your PAN and confirm it, then enter your mobile number and click Continue.

• Enter the 6-digit OTP sent to your phone and click Continue.

• Tick the ‘Income Tax’ box and click Proceed.

• Select Assessment Year 2026-27 and choose ‘Advance Tax (100)’, then click Continue.

• Fill in the amounts for tax, surcharge, cess, and any interest if applicable.

• Choose your bank and mode of payment, then click Continue.

• Check all details carefully. You can edit if needed, or click Pay Now to proceed.

After successful payment, a confirmation screen will display the BSR code and challan serial number. Keep this receipt for your records, as it is needed when filing your tax return.

• Go to incometax.gov.in and log in with your PAN and password.

• Go to e-File, then click on e-Pay Tax.

• Select ‘New Payment’ in the top-right corner.

• You will see multiple options. Select Income Tax, which includes Advance Tax and Self-Assessment Tax, and click Proceed.

• Select Assessment Year 2026-27 and minor head Advance Tax (Code 100).

• Fill in the tax, surcharge, cess, and any interest amounts as applicable.

• Pick your preferred method of payment and click Pay Now.

• Agree to the terms and conditions and complete the payment.

Advance tax payment schedule

Consequences of missing the March 15 deadline